News & Events
The Alliance Chamber of Commerce, located in Alliance, Ohio, has been a staple in the community for over 85 years, providing leadership to its members, protecting their interests while promoting its businesses. With a membership totaling almost 400, the Chambers tradition of community leadership continues strong into the 21st century.
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The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) have charged the SBDC with the goal of helping entrepreneurs start, sustain and grow their business, while promoting the development of an innovative, entrepreneurial culture. We are devoted to assisting aspiring entrepreneurs develop winning companies that create jobs, strengthen the economy, produce a profit and reinvest in the community.
Start-up business candidates seeking assistance from the SBDC are required to attend our Small Business Orientation (SBO). This is a no-cost, two-hour seminar outlining basic knowledge that every entrepreneur should know. This includes resources available to the encountered in business start-up, the business planning process and some of the financing options. Once the SBO is completed, a counseling session can be scheduled with a counselor. Sessions are on an individual basis and are held confidential. All Ohio counselors sign annual confidentiality agreements with the State SBDC office.
In summary, the SBDC is staffed with well-educated, experienced and certified business advisors who are here to assist you. The center provides general management advice and counseling to start-ups and existing businesses throughout Stark and Wayne counties and our services are provided without charge, on a confidential basis. Business owners and potential entrepreneurs are encouraged to take advantage of the services and, when appropriate, recommend the center to business associates and friends.
Please visit www.cantonsbdc.org - email info@cantonsbdc.org or telephone 330-244-3290 for more information.
Membership Investment Invoices are in the Mail
Several of our Chamber members have already renewed their investment for the year 2012 and to those members we say "Thank you"! Invoices were mailed out this week and are payable by January 1, 2012.
We realize that many of our members are still struggling to make ends meet and you need to justify each of your expenses. We feel that you return on investment with your Chamber dues is high. We are not asking you to give away your money. Your return is the continued growth and prosperity of the Alliance community. The membership dues (which are tax deductable under business expense) amounts to pennies per day, such a small amount that you can't afford not to belong.
Here are eight great reasons for renewing your Chamber membership:
- New Business Contacts- Networking and new business contacts help your business grow. We offer numerous opportunities to network with other Chamber members including Business After Hours, Tip Clubs, Golf Outing, Business Alliance Awards and Annual Meeting.
- Credibility- Credibility to make a statement that you are committed to the future of the Alliance area.
- Community Commitment- Promote the community to help Alliance residents enjoy greater opportunities.
- Referrals- Referrals and sales opportunities to help deliver a return on your investment.
- Publicity and Exposure- Publicity and heightened name recognition so customers know who you are.
- Marketing and Advertising- Targeted and affordable advertising (Chamber media) to help you advertise your business effectively on a small budget.
- A Healthy Local Economy- Create a strong local economy to keep our business momentum moving forward.
- Gain a Voice in Government- The Chamber is your representative on the local, regional, state and federal levels. Your voice is heard on vital regulatory, legislative and educational issues affecting your business.
The Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce is a business organization supported entirely by membership dues investments and fundraisers. We value your membership and want to make sure you benefit from it. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Chamber office.
Rate-Reform Accomplishments Highlighted at Ohiobwc.com
BWC's comprehensive rate-reform effort began in 2007 with the goal of making sure every Ohio employer pays the appropriate rate for their workers' compensation insurance coverage. The key to actuarial soundness is having employers paying rates based on the risk they bring to the system and not one cent more. In just three years, our efforts are paying off.
Since July 2007, Ohio's average base rate stands at $1.95 per $100 of payroll, a reduction of 35 percent - the lowest level in two decades. While Ohio rates once ranked among the highest in the U.S., they are now in the mid-range for the nation at 20th, according to a comparison study by the BWC's Actuarial Division.
Today, more employers are seeing significant cost savings, which is helping to create a more attractive environment for future business investment. You can learn more about the success of rate reform and its positive impact on Ohio firms by going to the Bureaus website at www.ohiobwc.com
Upcoming Events
Business After Hours
The Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce "Christmas Open House" will be held Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Glamorgan Castle, 200 Glamorgan St., Alliance, Ohio from 5 to 7 p.m. Tours will be available and entertainment will be the Alliance High School Jetsetter Show Choir. Hors'douvres served by Rose's Hillcrest Market. Cost is $10 per person.
